Atlanta Braves Second-Round Draft Pick Victor Caratini On Fire

By Daniel Kock

Kim Klement-USA Today Sports

The Atlanta Braves‘ second-round draft pick in the 2013 MLB Draft has got off to an impressive start in his professional career.

Victor Caratini is hitting .356 with 10 RBIs in his first 17 games in rookie ball with the Danville Braves in the Appalachian League. He has posted an impressive .467 on-base percentage and a .992 OPS thanks to eight doubles and a triple. The switch-hitter has been effective against both right-handed (.310/.423/.899) and left-handed (.471/.565/1.212) pitchers.

He’s also had success in clutch situations, hitting .421 with a 1.026 OPS with runners in scoring position.

The Braves selected the 19-year-old out of Miami Dade Junior College to do just what his stats indicate he’s doing — hit. The future position for Caratini is unclear as he played catcher, third base and second base in college (played 13 games at third base for Danville), but the Braves will find a place for him if he continues to have success at the plate.

Obviously, it’s very early in Caratini’s career, but it’s easy to see how the Braves could project him as a potential fixture on the infield in a couple of years.

While the Braves look to have long-term players at first base, shortstop and catcher, there is not a clear long-term answer at both second base and third base. Dan Uggla will likely go elsewhere when his contract expires in 2.5 years, and Chris Johnson looks to be a capable fill-in as the Braves look for a third baseman of the future.

These first 17 games do not guarantee Caratini will be a long-term answer, but as a Braves fan, it’s encouraging to see him hitting .356 rather than .206. Caratini looks to be a prospect to monitor throughout this season and the upcoming years.